The wording in the American Endangered Species Act from 1973, which protects endangered animals, has over the years been interpreted broadly, also including the protection of habitats, which has effectively resulted in a ban on so-called habitat destruction. This was established by the Supreme Court in the 1990s.
Now, the Trump administration is proposing that the law be interpreted more narrowly to make it easier to build and to facilitate the exploitation of the forestry and mining industries.
The concept of "harm" will no longer include a species' ability to find food, reproduce, or build a home, according to the new proposal.
Brett Hartl, director of the Center for Biological Diversity, calls the proposal ruthless.
There will be a setback in species protection after all the progress we have made, he says to the American radio channel NPR.
According to Hartl, 1,700 species have been able to be protected thanks to the Endangered Species Act from 1973.
The public now has 30 days to comment on the new interpretation. The proposal is also expected to be appealed in court by several environmental organizations.
